Learning About The World Of Dentistry

When your mouth hurts, everything from your neck to the top of your head can feel bad. Pain in the mouth area can be tricky and caused by a number of issues. Make an appointment with your dentist, but in the meantime, take a look at some common causes of pain in the mouth area.

Cavities

Without a doubt, cavities are painful. The pain can be sudden and sharp or throbbing and worsen with eating, drinking, etc. Many times, a tiny cavity in your tooth or a loose filling will produce far more discomfort than expected and that is due to the nerves inside your tooth. The sooner you see your dentist, the easier it will be to deal with the cavity. If you wait, the pain can increase in intensity and frequency and an abscess can form on your gum.

Infections

Speaking of an abscess, gum infections can also cause pain and discomfort in the mouth area. In some cases, the pain from an infected gum will seem to be coming from your sinus region, your jawbone, and even from your ear area. It's important to address a gum infection quickly. Sometimes, the infection can enter your bloodstream and lead to a deadly medical condition. Abscesses need to be treated with antibiotics and then the cause of the infection should be addressed.

Food Entrapment

If you love crunchy foods like nuts and popcorn, you might encounter a painful situation. Popcorn kernels and pieces of nuts can become trapped between or behind your teeth and can even cause a mild infection in your mouth. Try using dental floss and avoid putting sharp objects in your mouth. If attempts to dislodge the item fail, call on your dentist. They can use dental instruments to remove the food particle without causing more irritation and harm to the surrounding gum tissue.

Broken Teeth

When a crack develops, things can get painful in a hurry. A blow to the mouth, a fall, a sports injury, or even crunching on ice or hard candy can cause a cracked or broken tooth. As food, drink, and even air enter the tooth because of the crack, pain can occur. If the crack is tiny, your dentist may be able to bond and repair it. In the case of more serious breaches, a crown may be necessary. Even a tiny crack can worsen and weaken the tooth enough to cause a loss.

Small issues that cause pain in the mouth often worsen if left untreated. At the first sign of discomfort, speak to your family dentist to find out more.